News – Monday, May 18th, 2026

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting Wednesday, May 20th, at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance, the board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda. The board will hear communications from Amanda Walker. Salem Upper students will receive recognition. In the Superintendent’s Report, CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business, the board will approve MSBA policy updates, review building handbooks, approve sub pay for 2026-2027, approve Healthy Dent County Partnership, consider out-of-state trip by FFA to the National Convention, consider out-of-state trip for Chamber Choir, approve the PDC plan, and approve the Wellness Plan. Transfers, hires, or resignations/retirements are scheduled to be considered. The board will enter closed session to discuss personnel and student issues, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Rapid Response Grant Program is an opportunity available to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks entire service area, which includes Dent County, and provides one-time support to agencies with urgent, unanticipated needs such as: loss of federal and/or state funding, natural or man-made disasters, time-sensitive opportunities for collaboration or innovation, etc. Before applying, it’s important to consider that 501(c)(3) organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts, and churches) serving the CFO’s service area are eligible to apply. This is a one-time grant. Agencies may not submit multiple requests in the same fiscal year. The maximum request amount is $3,000. Final reports will be due six months after funding is awarded. Completed and submitted applications will be sent to the committee for review the first Tuesday of each month.

For free fun for the family, Missouri Department of Conservation has Free Fishing Days coming up statewide the weekend of June 6th and June 7th. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in Missouri without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. This is an annual event which takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. If you’re new to fishing or don’t have fishing gear, consider taking advantage of the Salem Public Library’s Rod & Reel Loaner Program. Through the Rod & Reel Loaner Program, individuals of all ages may check out fishing poles and tackle boxes for free using their library cards. The fishing poles are equipped with standard spin-cast reels. The tackle boxes are supplied with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers for basic fishing opportunities. Individuals need to provide their own live bait or desired lures to bait the hook. Equipment checks out for three days. It’s important to note that fishing rods and tackle boxes need to be returned to the circulation desk, not the book depository, and that items may not be renewed and are subject to overdue fines. For more information on the Rod & Reel Loaner program, contact the Salem Public Library at 573-729-4331.

Interested in learning how to safely preserve your favorite food at home? Join a hands-on Water Bath Canning Workshop on Thursday, June 18th from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Whether you’re brand new to canning or want a refresher on safe water bath canning techniques, this workshop will guide you step-by-step through the process. The cost is $25 per participant, and registration is required. Feel empowered and prepared as you learn techniques for safely canning high-acid foods, using equipment correctly, and following tested recipes. Build skills that protect your health, reduce food waste, and help you preserve nutritious foods for your family year-round. To register, visit MU Extension’s website at extension.missouri.edu and search “Water Bath Canning Workshop.” A registration link will be available at the first result.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be holding its 2026 Youth Academy Program in Piedmont at Eagle Sky at 1 Eagle Sky Drive from Aug. 3rd through Aug. 7th, with a deadline to apply by June 19th. There is no cost to attend the program. This program is for those interested in a career in law enforcement and must be high school students or recent graduates between the ages of 16 to 18. Cadets must be capable of enduring aerobic and endurance activities requiring a reasonable fitness level. Cadets must reside at the camp facility for the duration of the program. For more information or an application, contact Cpl. Logan Bolton at 314-348-4428 or email logan.bolton@mshp.dps.mo.gov.